Introduction
In modern electrical and electronic systems, ensuring robustness against voltage surges, especially those caused by lightning strikes or switching operations, is crucial. The LISUN SG61000-5 Surge Generator plays a vital role in testing the resilience of equipment against these high-voltage surges. Compliant with the IEC 61000-4-5 and EN 61000-4-5 standards, this surge generator is a critical tool in verifying the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of various devices. This paper explores the significance of the LISUN SG61000-5 in surge testing, focusing on its features, applications, and compliance with international standards.
Overview of IEC 61000-4-5/EN 61000-4-5 Standards
The IEC 61000-4-5 standard, also adopted as EN 61000-4-5 in Europe, specifies the requirements for testing the surge immunity of electrical and electronic equipment. It is part of the broader IEC 61000 series, which addresses electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for different types of disturbances. The standard outlines the procedures to simulate the effects of lightning-induced surges and other transient overvoltages, which can potentially damage or disrupt the normal operation of electrical devices.
Surge immunity testing is essential for assessing the capability of equipment to withstand high-energy transients that may occur in real-world scenarios. These tests simulate the surge conditions that devices may encounter during their operational lifetime, ensuring that they can continue functioning without failure or degradation in performance.
The Role of Surge Generators in EMC Testing
Surge generators are specialized devices designed to produce controlled high-voltage surges for testing purposes. These surges mimic the transients that can be induced by lightning strikes, power line disturbances, and other sources of high-energy transients. By subjecting equipment to these surges, manufacturers can evaluate the robustness of their products and ensure compliance with relevant EMC standards.
The primary function of a surge generator is to generate a surge waveform that complies with the parameters specified in IEC 61000-4-5. These parameters include the rise time, duration, peak voltage, and energy content of the surge. The generator must also be capable of delivering surges with different polarities and coupling methods to simulate various real-world conditions.
Introduction to LISUN SG61000-5 Surge Generator
The LISUN SG61000-5 Surge Generator is designed to meet the requirements of IEC 61000-4-5 and EN 61000-4-5 for surge immunity testing. This high voltage generator is capable of producing surges with a peak voltage of up to 10 kV and a peak current of up to 5 kA, making it suitable for testing a wide range of electrical and electronic equipment.
Key Features
Compliance with IEC/EN 61000-4-5: The LISUN SG61000-5 is fully compliant with the surge immunity requirements outlined in IEC 61000-4-5 and EN 61000-4-5. This ensures that the generator produces surge waveforms that accurately simulate the conditions described in the standard.
• High Voltage and Current Capabilities: The generator can produce surges with a peak voltage of up to 10 kV and a peak current of up to 5 kA. This range of output allows for testing equipment that may be exposed to severe surge conditions.
• Adjustable Surge Parameters: The LISUN SG61000-5 allows users to adjust various surge parameters, including voltage, current, and waveform shape. This flexibility is essential for simulating different types of surge conditions and testing the resilience of equipment under various scenarios.
• Multiple Coupling Modes: The generator supports multiple coupling modes, including line-to-line and line-to-ground coupling, to simulate the different paths that surges can take when entering a device.
• User-Friendly Interface: The SG61000-5 features a user-friendly interface with a touchscreen display, making it easy to configure and monitor test parameters. The interface provides real-time feedback on the status of the test, allowing users to quickly identify any issues that may arise.
• Safety Features: To protect both the equipment under test and the operator, the SG61000-5 is equipped with various safety features, including automatic shutdown in case of overvoltage or overcurrent conditions. This ensures that the testing process is safe and reliable.
 Surge generator_SG61000-5
Applications of LISUN SG61000-5
The LISUN SG61000-5 Surge Generator is widely used in industries where equipment must demonstrate high levels of surge immunity. These industries include:
• Consumer Electronics: Devices such as televisions, computers, and home appliances are subject to surge immunity testing to ensure they can withstand power line disturbances and lightning-induced surges.
• Telecommunications: Telecommunications equipment, including routers, modems, and base stations, must be tested for surge immunity to ensure reliable operation in environments prone to electrical transients.
• Industrial Control Systems: In industrial settings, control systems are often exposed to harsh electrical environments. Surge immunity testing is critical for ensuring the reliability and safety of these systems.
• Power Distribution Systems: Surge generators are used to test components of power distribution systems, such as transformers and circuit breakers, to ensure they can withstand surges caused by lightning strikes and switching operations.
• Automotive Electronics: With the increasing complexity of automotive electronics, surge immunity testing is essential for ensuring the reliability of components such as electronic control units (ECUs) and infotainment systems.
Surge Testing Procedures with SG61000-5
The testing procedures for surge immunity with the LISUN SG61000-5 follow the guidelines outlined in IEC 61000-4-5. The standard specifies several key aspects of the test, including the test setup, surge waveforms, and acceptance criteria.
Test Setup
The test setup involves connecting the equipment under test (EUT) to the surge generator. The EUT is typically placed in a controlled environment, such as an anechoic chamber, to minimize external interference. The SG61000-5 is connected to the EUT through coupling/decoupling networks (CDNs), which simulate the connection of the EUT to the power line or other networks.
Surge Waveforms
The IEC 61000-4-5 standard specifies two types of surge waveforms: the combination wave (1.2/50 µs voltage, 8/20 µs current) and the 10/700 µs wave. The LISUN SG61000-5 is capable of generating both waveforms, allowing for comprehensive testing of the EUT.
Combination Wave: The combination wave is the most commonly used waveform in surge testing. It consists of a fast-rising voltage pulse followed by a slower decay, simulating the effects of a lightning strike.
10/700 µs Wave: This waveform is typically used for testing telecommunications equipment and simulates surges induced by lightning strikes on overhead lines.
Test Levels and Acceptance Criteria
The IEC 61000-4-5 standard defines different test levels based on the severity of the surge. These levels range from 0.5 kV to 4 kV for line-to-line tests and 1 kV to 6 kV for line-to-ground tests. The LISUN SG61000-5 can generate surges across this range, allowing for testing at all specified levels.
The acceptance criteria for surge immunity testing depend on the performance of the EUT during and after the test. The standard defines four performance criteria:
• Criterion A: The EUT operates as intended during and after the test.
• Criterion B: The EUT experiences temporary degradation in performance but recovers without user intervention.
• Criterion C: The EUT experiences temporary degradation and requires user intervention to recover.
• Criterion D: The EUT fails to operate as intended and does not recover.
Importance of Compliance with IEC 61000-4-5
Compliance with IEC 61000-4-5 is critical for manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment. It ensures that their products can withstand surges and continue to operate reliably in real-world conditions. Non-compliance can result in equipment failures, costly recalls, and damage to a company’s reputation.
The LISUN SG61000-5 Surge Generator provides manufacturers with the tools they need to ensure compliance with IEC 61000-4-5. By accurately simulating surge conditions, the SG61000-5 allows manufacturers to identify potential weaknesses in their designs and make necessary improvements before bringing their products to market.
Conclusion
The LISUN SG61000-5 Surge Generator is an essential tool for surge immunity testing, fully compliant with IEC 61000-4-5/EN 61000-4-5 standards. Its advanced features, including adjustable surge parameters, high voltage and current capabilities, and user-friendly interface, make it ideal for testing a wide range of equipment across various industries. By ensuring compliance with international surge immunity standards, the SG61000-5 helps manufacturers produce reliable and robust products that can withstand the challenges of the real world.
References
IEC 61000-4-5: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-5: Testing and measurement techniques – Surge immunity test.
LISUN Group. (n.d.). Surge Generator (SG61000-5). LISUN Group. https://www.lisungroup.com/news/technology-news/evaluating-the-surge-immunity-of-electrical-equipment-using-the-lisun-sg61000-5-high-voltage-generator-in-compliance-with-iec-61000-4-5-en-61000-4-5.html